Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at the age of 39, according to the New York City police.
Authorities responded to a 911 call just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday and found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive inside a Manhattan apartment. Emergency services arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. While police do not suspect foul play, an investigation remains ongoing, and the official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s office.
A law enforcement source indicated that Trachtenberg had recently experienced a medical issue, and her death appears to be related to natural causes rather than suspicious circumstances.
Trachtenberg first gained recognition as a child star in Harriet the Spy, Nickelodeon’s first feature film, and became a familiar face on ’90s television with The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She later earned widespread fame as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a role she played from 2000 until the series ended in 2003.
Her career continued with notable appearances on Six Feet Under, Weeds, and multiple Law & Order franchises, among other shows. She later joined Gossip Girl in a recurring role and made her last known television appearance in the HBO Max revival of the series.
Despite uncertainty about her recent projects, Trachtenberg remained active on social media, sharing reflections on past red-carpet appearances. Just a week ago, she posted a nostalgic photo, writing, “A memory, a magical night in #NewYork. I remember feeling like Cinderella. Wishing everyone an ethereal weekend.”
Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of an actress who made a lasting impact on both film and television from childhood to adulthood.